William D. Austin Jr.

December 8, 1944 - June 24, 2012

Obituary

Bill Austin, age 67, resident of Columbus, GA died on Sunday, June 24, 2012 at Columbus Hospice House. Graveside services are scheduled at Chestnut Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, Greyson, GA on Thursday, June 27, 2012, 11 a.m., according to Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Road, Columbus. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 from 5-7 p.m. Mr. Austin, son of the late William Dewitt Austin, Sr. and Louise Burson Austin, was born December 8, 1944 in Atlanta, GA. He attended Edgewood United Methodist Church (formerly Sherwood United Methodist Church) and a retired Security Officer of Suntrust...

Bill Austin, age 67, resident of Columbus, GA died on Sunday, June 24, 2012 at Columbus Hospice House. Graveside services are scheduled at Chestnut Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, Greyson, GA on Thursday, June 27, 2012, 11 a.m., according to Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Road, Columbus. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 from 5-7 p.m. Mr. Austin, son of the late William Dewitt Austin, Sr. and Louise Burson Austin, was born December 8, 1944 in Atlanta, GA. He attended Edgewood United Methodist Church (formerly Sherwood United Methodist Church) and a retired Security Officer of Suntrust Bank after over 30 years of faithful service. During his employment, Capt Austin encountered a distraught woman whom had wondered onto the 26th floor of Suntrust Bank Headquarters in Atlanta. This woman was standing on a window ledge kicking out the glass while he was trying to talk her down. She screamed she was going to jump, and as she stepped off the ledge Bill grabbed her and brought her back into safety, ultimately saving her life. He is survived by his wife, Melissa Harden of Columbus, GA; one step-daughter, Marie Wilson and her husband Jeff of Lilburn, GA; one sister, Dorothy "Dottie" Parker of Lawrenceville, GA; one brother, David Austin of Decatur, GA; two step-grandchildren, Anna Wilson and Emma Wilson, both of Lilburn, GA; his golden retrievers, Princess and Puppymup, and his yellow lab, Baby Doll; other relatives and friends. Flowers are accepted or contributions can be made to Parkinson's Disease Foundation at Parkinson's Disease Foundation, 1359 Broadway, Suite 1509. New York, NY 10018.